Adherence to Self-care and Quality of Life of Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treated with Low-Level Laser Therapy: An Exploratory Study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with a diabetic foot ulcer undergoing treatment with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) at 904 nm and its association with self-care.

METHODS

In this randomized, exploratory study, participants were divided into the following four groups: control group (CG) with LLLT placebo, LLLT group 1 (LG1) at 10 J/cm2, LLLT group 2 (LG2) at 8 J/cm2, and LLLT group 3 (LG3) at 4 J/cm2. Participants received light therapy (or placebo) twice a week, for a total of 20 sessions. Researchers assessed participants' QoL using the Short-Form 36 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Sixty-two participants were included in the analysis (CG = 18, LG1 = 14, LG2 = 17, LG3 = 13). The LG1 group showed a higher proportion of healing, whereas the CG group showed a lower proportion than the other groups. The LG1 group showed a relationship between physical limitations and blood glucose monitoring, pain and foot care, and general health status (GHS) and foot care. The GL2 group showed a relationship between physical limitations and blood glucose monitoring, vitality and foot care, and GHS and diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-level laser therapy had a positive impact on QoL as assessed by the Short-Form 36 questionnaire (functional capacity, vitality, and pain domains), and there was a positive association between QoL and self-care in the LLLT groups (physical limitations, pain, GHS, and vitality domains).